If you’ve ever wanted grilled chicken without having to mess with a grill, this recipe is your golden ticket. We’re talking juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with a lightly charred finish—and the best part? No grill, no smoke, no sweat. This air fryer grilled chicken recipe is here to save your weeknights and your sanity.You can whip this up in under 25 minutes using simple pantry spices and a handful of boneless chicken breast fillets. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or just scrambling to get dinner on the table before your kids raid the snack drawer, this one ticks all the boxes.
Let’s get into it.
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Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (Springer Mountain Farms 4 oz portions work great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1¾ tsp salt
- 1¼ tsp paprika
Optional additions: cayenne for heat, Italian herbs for depth, or a keto-friendly chicken seasoning mix.
Instructions: How to Grill Chicken in an Air Fryer
1. Prep Your Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a nice grilled-like exterior.
2. Make the Seasoning Rub
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. You can add a pinch of cayenne or swap in dried herbs like oregano or thyme if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. Oil & Season the Chicken
Toss the chicken in a bowl with olive oil, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Then rub the seasoning all over. Massage it in a little. Show that chicken some love.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F. Preheating takes just a few minutes but helps air fry chicken evenly and gives it that satisfying grilled texture.
5. Cook It!
Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd it—give it space to breathe.
Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each piece (yes, a good old air fryer chicken flip technique). Cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Check Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temp hits 165°F. That’s your golden number for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
7. Let It Rest
Take the chicken out and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This locks in the juices. Don’t skip this step unless you enjoy dry chicken.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Meat thermometer is your BFF: It’s the easiest way to avoid dry or undercooked chicken.
- Use perforated parchment paper: Keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t skip the flip: This helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that slightly crispy edge.
Variations & Ingredient Swaps
Want to mix it up? You’ve got options:
- Add cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Try Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme for a Mediterranean twist.
- Go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
- If you’re on a special diet, this recipe is easily keto, gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb friendly.
Need more inspo? Check out our sweet and savory chicken dinner for a totally different flavor profile.
FAQs: You Asked, We Answered
Absolutely. The circulating hot air gives it a grilled-like texture, minus the flames and flare-ups.
If you’ve got the time, go for it. A 30-minute to overnight marinade boosts flavor big time. Use olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs.
Technically, yes. But you’ll need to increase the cook time and it won’t be quite as juicy. Best to thaw first.
Overcooking is the usual suspect. Use a meat thermometer and let the chicken rest before slicing.
Set the air fryer to 350°F and heat for 3-5 minutes. It revives that crisp edge!
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken: Quick, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned—this air fryer grilled chicken recipe delivers all the grilled flavor without the grill. It’s your go-to for fast, delicious protein-packed meals.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (4 oz portions)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1¾ tsp salt
- 1¼ tsp paprika
- Optional: cayenne, Italian herbs, or keto seasoning mix
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, then rub seasoning over each piece.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Place chicken in a single layer. Cook 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 10 minutes.
- Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F, then rest chicken for 5–10 minutes.
Notes
Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Use parchment paper for easier cleanup. A meat thermometer is key to juicy chicken.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
What to Serve With It
This chicken is a meal prep hero. Serve it with:
- Salads, wraps, or quinoa bowls
- Rice and roasted veggies
- Tossed in a sandwich or stuffed in a pita
Need sides? Try our:
Got leftovers? Check our meal ideas with leftover chicken for ways to repurpose.
Meal Prep & Nutrition Perks
Here’s the thing: this is the kind of recipe you can double up on and not get tired of.
- High in protein and low in carbs
- Fits well into clean eating, keto, and Whole30 diets
- Perfect for weekly meal prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Use in wraps, grain bowls, or your favorite salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: Ready in under 25 minutes.
- Juicy: That 165°F temp + rest time = moist chicken every time.
- Versatile: Eat it plain or toss it into just about any dish.
- Low mess: Easy cleanup, especially with parchment paper.
Whether you’re feeding a family, packing lunches, or sticking to a healthy eating plan, this air fryer grilled chicken delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort. It’s the weeknight win you didn’t know you needed.
Need more chicken inspiration? Check out our low-carb chicken recipes, spiced chicken alternatives, and other flavorful chicken recipes to keep the dinner table interesting!
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